Architecture

The Taj Mahal (Hindi: ताज महल Persian/Urdu: تاج محل) is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Islamic, Indian and Persian architectural styles. But over and aove that the Taj is an icon of eternal love. A love story between the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his begam (wife) Mumtaz Mahal. The principal mausoleum was completed in 1648 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished five years later. Taj Mahal is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh state (UP), North India.

The towers are designed and created by the renowned architect, Cesar Pelli & Associates. The geometric pattern of the islamic heritage was used to design the floor plates. The exterior is a combination of glass and stainless steel. http://www.klcc.com.my

Roof of the shopping arcade of Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The geometric pattern of the islamic heritage was used to design the floor plates. The exterior is a combination of glass and stainless steel. http://www.klcc.com.my

Taj Mahal. Each minaret is effectively divided into three equal parts by two working balconies that ring the tower. At the top of the tower is a final balcony surmounted by a chattri that mirrors the design of those on the tomb. The chattris all share the same decorative elements of a lotus design topped by a gilded finial. The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry.

Rajasthani architecture as seen at Amber Fort near Jaipur, Rajasthan, RJ, India. Amber used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. The Amber Fort looks stunning, all-built in white marble and red sandstone. In 1592, construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I. However, the Amber Fort took its present form during the reign of Raja Jai Singh I.

Tomb complex of Ali Isa Khan Niazi which is within the Humanyun's tomb complex. The tomb was built (completed) in 1570 on the orders of Hamida Banu Begum who was Humayun's wife. Construction was started in 1562. The tomb is an UNESCO's designated world heritage site. The site is a complex of buildings. This is the first garden-tomb which inspired many architectural innovations.

Humanyun's tomb was built (completed) in 1570 on the orders of Hamida Banu Begum who was Humayun's wife. Construction was started in 1562. The tomb is an UNESCO's designated world heritage site. The site is a complex of buildings. This is the first garden-tomb which inspired many architectural innovations.

Humanyun's tomb was built (completed) in 1570 on the orders of Hamida Banu Begum who was Humayun's wife. Construction was started in 1562. The tomb is an UNESCO's designated world heritage site. The site is a complex of buildings. This is the first garden-tomb which inspired many architectural innovations.

Mysore Palace or the Maharajah's Palace is very well lit at night and on special occasions. Mysore is situated between Coorg and Bangalore. The Palace of Mysore (Amba Vilas) and the Museum is situated in the city of Mysore, Karnataka, Southern India. It was the official residence of the former royal family of Mysore, and also housed the durbar (ceremonial meeting hall of the royal court).

The palace was commissioned in 1897, and its construction was completed in 1912. The Wodeyar Mahararaja's of the Mysore state used to reside in this. The original palace built of wood, got burnt down in 1897 and was rebuilt for the twenty fourth Wodeyar Raja in 1912. Designed in Indo-Saracenic style by the well-known British architect, Henry Irwin, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.

Tomb complex of Ali Isa Khan Niazi which is within the Humanyun's tomb complex. The tomb was built (completed) in 1570 on the orders of Hamida Banu Begum who was Humayun's wife. Construction was started in 1562. The tomb is an UNESCO's designated world heritage site. The site is a complex of buildings. This is the first garden-tomb which inspired many architectural innovations.

Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple of Dambulla) located not far from Colombo, Sri Lanka is a world heritage site. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains.There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. This paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as there are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old ( 700 BC) which have been unearthed in this area at Ibbankatuwa near Dambulla cave complexes.

Todas temple. The Todas tribals are the nature worshipping tribe living among the Nilgiri mountains in Southern India. They have their own language, rich arts and crafts and a unique way of community living.

Tomb complex of Ali Isa Khan Niazi which is within the Humanyun's tomb complex. The tomb was built (completed) in 1570 on the orders of Hamida Banu Begum who was Humayun's wife. Construction was started in 1562. The tomb is an UNESCO's designated world heritage site. The site is a complex of buildings. This is the first garden-tomb which inspired many architectural innovations.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italian: Torre pendente di Pisa) or simply The Tower of Pisa (La Torre di Pisa) is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa. It is situated behind the Cathedral and it is the third structure by time in Pisa's Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square).

Boy on a cylce in front of the Palace of Mysore (Amba Vilas) which is situated in the city of Mysore, Karnataka, Southern India. It was the official residence of the former royal family of Mysore, and also housed the durbar (ceremonial meeting hall of the royal court).

The palace was commissioned in 1897, and its construction was completed in 1912. The Wodeyar Mahararaja's of the Mysore state used to reside in this. The original palace built of wood, got burnt down in 1897 and was rebuilt for the twenty fourth Wodeyar Raja in 1912. Designed in Indo-Saracenic style by the well-known British architect, Henry Irwin, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.

View of Mumbai's Gateway of India with th Hotel Taj at the back. The Elephanta Caves are located just off Mumbai harbour in the Gharapuri Island also called Elephanta Island - a name given by the Portuguese when they ruled over this area. In 1987, the caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hewn out of solid rock, the Elephanta Caves date back to 600 AD. The caves attract many visitors who take an hour long ferry boat ride to reach from Gateway of India. The cave complex is a collection of rock-cut architecture with stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

The Elephanta Caves are located just off Mumbai harbour in the Gharapuri Island also called Elephanta Island - a name given by the Portuguese when they ruled over this area. In 1987, the caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hewn out of solid rock, the Elephanta Caves date back to 600 AD. The caves attract many visitors who take an hour long ferry boat ride to reach from Gateway of India. The cave complex is a collection of rock-cut architecture with stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

Buddha and buddhist statues and relics in Ayutthaya, Thailand. The kingdom of Ayutthaya (Thai: ??????????????) was a Thai kingdom that existed from 1351 to 1767. King Ramathibodi I (U Thong) founded Ayutthaya as the capital of his kingdom in 1351.

Statue of Vittorio Emanuele II on his horse at Piazza Venezia. This has the "Altar of the Nation," the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the largest structure (shown here) is the "Monument to Vittorio Emmanuele II" (the first king of a united Italy). Rome, Italy, Europe

Colosseum, Rome, Italy, Europe. The Flavius amphitheatre is the biggest and most imposing in the Roman world, but is also the most famous monument in Rome and is known as the "Colosseum" or "Coliseum". Started by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavia family, it was opened by his son Titus in 80 A.D.

View from Amber Fort which is located in Amber (Jaipur). Amber used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. The Amber Fort looks stunning, all-built in white marble and red sandstone. To add to its charm, Maotha Lake makes its foreground. The crystal mirror image of the Fort, on the still waters of the lake, seems to be a beautiful illusion. Amber Fort is usually pronounced as Amer Fort. In 1592, construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I. However, the Amber Fort took its present form during the reign of Raja Jai Singh I.

The outer appearance of the Fort, being rough and craggy is totally different from its core. The interior of the Fort provides a soothing and warm ambience, which is least expected from its outer appearance. The marvelous decoration of the Amer Fort is influenced by both, the Hindu and Muslim manner of ornamentation. Exquisite paintings of hunting scenes on the walls depict the temperament of the Rajputs.

Between Coorg and Bangalore is Mysore. The Palace of Mysore (Amba Vilas) and the Museum is situated in the city of Mysore, Karnataka, Southern India. It was the official residence of the former royal family of Mysore, and also housed the durbar (ceremonial meeting hall of the royal court).

The palace was commissioned in 1897, and its construction was completed in 1912. The Wodeyar Mahararaja's of the Mysore state used to reside in this. The original palace built of wood, got burnt down in 1897 and was rebuilt for the twenty fourth Wodeyar Raja in 1912. Designed in Indo-Saracenic style by the well-known British architect, Henry Irwin, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.

Duomo (Cathedral) Florence (Italian; Firenze, Florentia and Fiorenza) is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany, and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany and has a population of approximately 364,779.

The city lies on the Arno River and is known for its history and its importance in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance, especially for its art and architecture.

Entrance to St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro). The splendid square and colonnade, Bernini's finest work, form a superb entryway to the greatest church of Christendom. The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and Sovereign of the Vatican City (a city within a city) and this has been the case since the time of St. Peter. At the time of Christ, Rome was the Capital of the Roman Empire - the most important City in the Western world.

A fountain on the Place de la Concorde, Paris, France. Behind this fountain is the Hôtel de Crillon and to the left is the Embassy of the United States of America. The Place de la Concorde is one of the major squares in Paris and it is located in the city's eighth arrondissement, at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées.

Traffic moves around The Arc de Triomphe which is an iconic structure. Triumphal Arch in Paris, France stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the Place de l'Étoile (Star Square). It is at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. The monument stands 49.5 metres (165 ft) in height, 45 metres (148 ft) wide and 22 meters (72 ft) deep. It is the second largest triumphal arch in existence.

Inaugurated in 1875, the opera house was officially named the Académie Nationale de Musique. The Palais Garnier, also known as the Opéra de Paris or Opéra Garnier or Grand Opera House is a 2,200-seat opera house in Paris, France. This grand landmark was designed by Charles Garnier in the Neo-Baroque style and it is regarded as one of the architectural masterpieces of its time.

The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is the world's tallest twin towers. Designed and created by the renowned architect, Cesar Pelli & Associates. The geometric pattern of the islamic heritage was used to design the floor plates. http://www.klcc.com.my

The towers are designed and created by the renowned architect, Cesar Pelli & Associates. The geometric pattern of the islamic heritage was used to design the floor plates. The exterior is a combination of glass and stainless steel. http://www.klcc.com.my

Bada Imambada, Lucknow, India. The Bada Imambada was built by Asaf-ud-Daula in the year 1784. Its construction was a part of the famine relief project, where a number of labourers were appointed to build this Imambada. It is a huge vacant hall with a length of 50 m and a height of 15 m. Close to the Imambara is the Bhul Bhulaiya - an amazing maze that might need a tourist guide to get through. Long passages with viewing areas were used by soldiers to defend the structure.

Beheaded Buddha and buddhist statues and relics in Ayutthaya, Thailand. When Ayutthaya fell to Burmese attack in 1767, the Burmese army looted and stole the Buddha heads as they were gold plated.
The kingdom of Ayutthaya (Thai: ??????????????) was a Thai kingdom that existed from 1351 to 1767. King Ramathibodi I (U Thong) founded Ayutthaya as the capital of his kingdom in 1351.

Swayambhunath stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal. A golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD.

View of Amber Fort which is located in Amber (Jaipur). Amber used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. The Amber Fort looks stunning, all-built in white marble and red sandstone. To add to its charm, Maotha Lake makes its foreground. The crystal mirror image of the Fort, on the still waters of the lake, seems to be a beautiful illusion. Amber Fort is usually pronounced as Amer Fort. In 1592, construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I. However, the Amber Fort took its present form during the reign of Raja Jai Singh I.

The outer appearance of the Fort, being rough and craggy is totally different from its core. The interior of the Fort provides a soothing and warm ambience, which is least expected from its outer appearance. The marvelous decoration of the Amer Fort is influenced by both, the Hindu and Muslim manner of ornamentation. Exquisite paintings of hunting scenes on the walls depict the temperament of the Rajputs, who were adventurous, revolutionary and self-indulgent.

Tomb complex of Ali Isa Khan Niazi which is within the Humanyun's tomb complex. The tomb was built (completed) in 1570 on the orders of Hamida Banu Begum who was Humayun's wife. Construction was started in 1562. The tomb is an UNESCO's designated world heritage site. The site is a complex of buildings. This is the first garden-tomb which inspired many architectural innovations.